An ardent ecumenical prayer service. On the 9th November, 2017, Vienna Cathedral – dedicated to St Stephen – became the focal point for Europe.

Visible, inviting, and European – this is how this “Ecumenical Evening Prayer for Europe” came across in the cathedral church of Vienna, the Stephansdom.

Members of the ecumenical network Together for Europe at the heart of the Austrian capital city, at the vigil of their annual Congress. They came from countries such as Portugal, Russia, England, and Greece.

Their aim: unity and reconciliation among various Christian denominations and cultures, as well as solidarity and integration within Europe.

Oekumenisches Gebet Wien 9.11.2017

Oekumenisches Gebet Wien 9.11.2017

Oekumenisches Gebet Wien 9.11.2017

Oekumenisches Gebet Wien 9.11.2017

Oekumenisches Gebet Wien 9.11.2017

Oekumenisches Gebet Wien 9.11.2017

Oekumenisches Gebet Wien 9.11.2017

Oekumenisches Gebet Wien 9.11.2017

Oekumenisches Gebet Wien 9.11.2017

Oekumenisches Gebet Wien 9.11.2017

Oekumenisches Gebet Wien 9.11.2017

Oekumenisches Gebet Wien 9.11.2017

Cardinal Christoph Schönborn lead an ecumenical group of representatives of various Churches: hundreds of people gathered under the “Lettner” Cross which is a significant memorial of the victims of the two world wars. “People today do not expect us to rule, but to serve,” the Cardinal emphasized in his speech. The solemn prayer for a TOGETHERNESS of cultures and generations and for peace resounded powerfully.

“This moment of prayer was a multilingual, visible, and European sign of hope,” said one of the participants, “and it gives us hope for the future.”

At the reception that followed the celebration, Thomas Hennefeld, Superintendent of the Reformed Church of Austria and President of the Ecumenical Council of Churches in Austria, and Joerg Wojahn, Head of the European Commission Representation in Austria, underlined that Christian values are the basis for a united Europe. “We need everybody,” exclaimed the representative of the EU.

After November 9, 1938 (the Night of Broken Glass) and November 9, 1989 (fall of the Berlin wall), couldn’t November 9, 2017, day of the ecumenical prayer, be a significant step on the road of Together for Europe and a sign for Europe?

Beatriz Lauenroth; Photo: Annemarie Baumgarten

Empfang nach dem Oekumenischen Gebet Wien 9.11.2017

Empfang nach dem Oekumenischen Gebet Wien 9.11.2017

Empfang nach dem Oekumenischen Gebet Wien 9.11.2017

Empfang nach dem Oekumenischen Gebet Wien 9.11.2017

Empfang nach dem Oekumenischen Gebet Wien 9.11.2017

Empfang nach dem Oekumenischen Gebet Wien 9.11.2017

Empfang nach dem Oekumenischen Gebet Wien 9.11.2017

Empfang nach dem Oekumenischen Gebet Wien 9.11.2017

Empfang nach dem Oekumenischen Gebet Wien 9.11.2017

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2 thoughts on “Vienna Cathedral at the Centre of Europe”

Wilma van Bussel - Friday November 10th, 2017 at 07:30 PM

Together with you I pray for unity and Peace! That God may return in the hearts of many, that European Christianity may radiate throughout Europe and to the whole world.

Unity in diversity – together in all our individuality not in uniformity – this is my prayer for Europe and the world. This is the also the main idea of Pilgrim. Two girls from a school brought our prayers into the centre of St. Stephan.
The very impressive celebration will last longer than this hour and will motivate for further engagement…

TOGETHER FOR EUROPE

…brings together Christian Movements and Communities – over 300 in number spread across the Continent – belonging to different Churches. While preserving their independence, collectively they form a network to pursue shared goals, each bringing a contribution specific to their own charism. Read More>